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Vol. 17 No. 45
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BACK IN TIME: Joe Pearce and Hugh Toner enjoy Ararat Primary School’s 150th anniversary celebrations. Students dressed in costumes from yesteryear as part of events to mark the milestone. The school, originally called Ararat Common School No. 800, has undergone several name changes, mergers and located at various sites in its 150 years. Students, teachers, families and past students celebrated with a school fete, farmers’ market and open day. For more pictures, see page 25, in a special Education Week feature.
Global opportunity BY DEAN LAWSON
A
Wimmera development leader believes Horsham’s success in winning the rights to a world championship motorcycle event is an example of why the region must continually challenge and believe in itself.
Wimmera Development Association executive director Jo Bourke said confirmation that World Junior Motocross titles would be in Horsham in 2018 was a raw example of a cross between regional potential and self-belief. “It shows that in a world of shrinking isolation that just about anything is possible when people acknowledge op-
portunities at hand and then apply desire, motivation and hard work,” she said. “For Horsham Motorcycle Club to get the opportunity to host this event, the first time the junior world motocross championships will visit Australia, speaks volumes about the capabilities of our people and our region.” Mrs Bourke said major events played an important role in the overall development equation for any region, city or community. In the Wimmera-Mallee and Grampians they presented welcome additions to an overall picture that could be and was being sold to the world. “The message is that if believe you can create something
IN THIS ISSUE
unique that has broad appeal then think globally. It is obviously a challenge but it is a possibility,” she said. “We also need to make sure we as regional communities get behind these special-event projects. There has been considerable discussion about the economic impact of attracting people to the region but it is also about building reputations and making sure visitors have good experiences,” she said.
Add value
“People need to start thinking now how they can add value to such a high-profile event. For example, there is an advantage that these championships are for juniors. They not only bring sponsors and support crews,
but also their families, and they will be coming from around the world. The trick is to keep them in the region for as long as possible.” On Saturday, Sport, Tourism and Major Events Minister John Eren visited Horsham’s Dooen racing circuit, earning a reputation as one of the best tracks of its type in Australia, to confirm an $80,000 funding package. The FIM Junior Motocross World Championships attracts the best 200 fledgling riders from around the globe and is a renowned platform for emerging talent. It features dirt-bike riders from as young as 10 riding in a 65cc class to 17-year-olds in
125cc ranks. Horsham has previously hosted elite motocross events including Australian Junior Championships in 2013.
Opportunity
Mr Eren said the championships represented a perfect opportunity to showcase the Wimmera’s strengths to competitors, spectators and journalists visiting from all over the world. “The FIM Junior Motocross is Horsham’s opportunity to shine on the world stage. This will be one of the biggest sporting events the region has ever witnessed,” he said. “The Horsham Motorcycle Club is a national leader when it comes to staging these great events. I congratulate everyone
• Regional volunteer awards • Dob in a drug dealer campaign • Seppelt wedding expo
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involved in securing this brilliant fixture.” Member for Lowan Emma Kealy said she had enjoyed working with Horsham Motorcycle Club treasurer Laurie Pearson and Dooen Recreation Reserve Committee, and was excited to see their vision for an international event come to fruition. “I was thrilled to be able to personally thank and congratulate Laurie last week at an event where he was recognised with a State Volunteer Award,” she said. “Laurie’s passion for building up the recreation reserve, and in particular the Horsham Motorcycle Club is an inspiration to all in the community.”